Can you imagine sitting in a small closet-like space for twelve to seventeen hours per day in all types of weather while listening to people’s struggles? That’s what today’s saint, Saint John Vianney, did day after day, helping scores of people reconcile with God - and each other - through the sacrament of Confession.
When we hear about the lives of saints, we can presume that everything came easily in their life journey. However, like all of us, there were challenges that Saint Vianney had to face and overcome.
For starters, he struggled with Latin in seminary. And, because all exams were taken in Latin, he was considered an inferior candidate for the priesthood. But, fortunately, one of his seminary priests saw a young man of great faith and determination and became John Vianney’s advocate.
In movies that tell stories like this, the hero often overcomes a challenge and then enjoys quick success. But, in this case, St. John had to persevere through many long hours of study but with modest success. Ultimately, he was ordained a priest. But, he was sent to a place no one else wanted to go, a place that many had given up on the Catholic faith - for which he had given his life.
If you know St. John’s story, you know that he won over the town’s people against all odds by his example of holiness and perseverance. He is a great example and inspiration for any of us who might feel like we’re spinning our wheels and not getting anywhere in our relationships and spiritual growth.
When faced with what seemed like insurmountable challenges, Saint John Vianney placed his faith not in his ability but in God’s grace.
St. John’s story is one for anyone who may have started behind in life or is there now. His educational struggles weren’t solely due to a lack of ability but hindered by poverty and the inability to go to school at a young age.
Our founder, Venerable Patrick Peyton, overcame a similar challenge due to poverty and became a highly successful student in seminary and outstanding evangelist for family Rosary prayer.
What these two men and many other holy people remind us is that with God’s grace and our cooperation--in doing our part, God will take challenging situations and use them to not only allow us to serve Him but also to draw us closer in friendship.
I recently heard a woman say that when her children faced adversity, she told them that challenges were opportunities that come dressed in work clothes. St. John Vianney embraced the work in the vineyard of the Lord and never gave up, even when he couldn’t see how God would make things right.
So, whether you or a family member are discouraged, looking for direction, or need to go to Confession, today’s saint, St. John Vianney, offers us hope to persevere, seek God’s forgiveness, or maybe explore the vocation of the priesthood.
I’ll leave you with one saying from the St. Vianney: "Here is the rule for everyday life: Do not do anything which you cannot offer to God."
May God bless you and your family this holy day!
